Saskatchewan Agricultural Hall of Fame

Howard Douglas McRorie

Doug McRorie, an agrologist who was considered the pioneer of agricultural lending on the Prairies, was born December 29, 1932, at Avonlea. He obtained his BSA in 1956 and his masterís degree in 1965 from the University of Saskatchewan, specializing in agricultural economics.

His first job after graduating was with Agriculture Canadaís economics department (1956-1958). He then was appointed director of the Agricultural Representative Service for Saskatchewan, serving nine years. This period, 1958-l 967, was a time of rapid change in agricultural technology, putting heavy demands on people in the extension field.

In 1967 Doug joined the Royal Bank of Canada as manager of the new Agricultural Department in Winnipeg. He became director of agricultural services - Canada in 1971 and, in 1981, vice-president for agricultural services for the bank.

He educated both farmers and bankers in the uses and applications of farm credit. The bank asked him to develop a line of services for farmer borrowers and this led to innovative programs at a time when credit was becoming a major farm input. Prior to this there were no bank lending programs tailored for farmers. While he recognized the need for the bank to make a profit, he recognized farmer-entrepreneurs had special credit needs. He devised a program enabling farmers to map out short-term, mid-term and long-term borrowing plans with their bank manager once a year.

In the 1980s when wheat prices dropped and western agriculture was in a serious financial situation, Doug proved a valuable liaison person between farmers, bankers and governments.

His background made him a valued resource to agricultural organizations, both as a thought-provoking speaker and as an activist for change. He served as president and later was named a Fellow of the Agricultural Institute of Canada. He was a member of the Economic Council of Canadaís Advisory Committee on the Future of Prairie Agriculture. He served on the AIC Free Trade Task Force and the Agricultural Committee of the Canadian Bankerís Association. He was chairman and director of Biomass Energy Institute, an organization focusing on renewable energy and preserving the environment. He was a member the deputy minister of agricultureís advisory group and of the Canada/U.S. Relations Committee of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

His illness and death in 1989 brought to a close a full and active career.

Sponsored for the Saskatchewan Agricultural Hall of Fame 1995
by the Royal Bank of Canada

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